MEXICO — The ability of the Mexico Trailblazers Snowmobile Club to maintain their trails this winter has been seriously compromised following the disappearance of about $17,000 from its bank account.

Trailmaster Gary Wentzell said Monday that all they have to operate with is $3,000, which is what remains from grant money the club received in June. “And that money will be gone before winter to pay for bills,” he said.

He said it usually takes about $10,000 for the club to get through the winter. As it stands now, “we’ll have very limited grooming as we’re short-handed. At least one trail will be closed.”

Wentzell said the club is working to increase its membership and is hoping businesses that benefit from snowmobilers visiting their establishments will also assist the club.

The Trailblazers, led by President Nick Brown, meet at 7 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month in the Calvin Lyons Meeting Room at the Town Hall. The public is invited to attend the next meeting Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Donations to the club can be sent to P.O. Box 160, Mexico, ME 04257.